The vote was 3 to 2, with committee members Jeffrey D. Lord, Lisa Jalbert and Joshua Farber voting for Clarke, and members Peter Sauriol and Joel Keller voting for Paul Scott Haughey, Blackstone-Millville Regional School District's director of student services.

The decision was made pending successful contract negotiations.

After the vote, the audience, which was filled with many of Clarke's supporters and employees at the middle school, applauded. Doug Kershaw, a seventh grade English and social studies teacher, reached back to high-five Clarke.

Committee members praised both candidates and said the choice was a difficult one. Farber and Sauriol went so far as to say it was one of the most difficult decisions of their lives.

In the end, Clarke's familiarity with the district and track record won over the majority of members. Lord noted that the School Committee is charged with hiring a superintendent, which he said is "big stuff."

Lord said the committee took its time with the decision, as it is the most important one it can make.

Monson's high turnover in superintendents was highlighted as an issue in a report recently released by the Center for District and School Accountability, an initiative of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, that was highly critical of Monson schools. The report stated that the superintendent search should be used as an opportunity to stabilize central office leadership.

"This is a management decision to me," Lord said, calling Clarke a "proven leader with history and performance."

Clarke will assume the superintendent position on July 1, taking over for interim superintendent Edward Malvey, who replaced Patrice L. Dardenne. Dardenne retired at the end of last year and made approximately $126,000.

Farber noted Haughey's track record in central office administration, but said Clarke's performance in the district spoke for itself. Keller said he felt Haughey had more experience.

Lord told Haughey that he was a "rising star" and that any school district would be lucky to have him, remarks that also were met with applause.

To Clarke, Lord said, "You have your hands full, very full."

"I'm ready," Clarke said.

After the meeting, Clarke said she is honored that she was chosen and excited to start the job. She said she plans to be a regular presence in the schools and wants to work to get the district out of its level 3 underperforming status with the state education department.

"They did make the right decision," Clarke said of the School Committee. "I know we have a lot of work to do, and we will do it."

Clarke, of Wilbraham, has been principal of Granite Valley since 2008; prior to that she was the assistant principal. She has been working in the district for eight years.